Canberra issues inaugural $7 billion green bond

The federal government has issued $7 billion of its inaugural green bond, in a major milestone aimed at creating a sustainable finance market.

The global energy transformation represents a golden opportunity for Australia and this bond is pulling more green capital into financing that opportunity, according to a joint statement from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

“Money raised from the bond will back projects that will help make Australia an indispensable part of the global economy and bring new jobs to communities all around the country.”

The Australian Office of Financial Management’s (AOFM) bond issue was over‑subscribed with more than $22 billion in bids from 105 investor institutions across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America.

“Demand for the bond confirms Australia is a go‑to destination for international green capital.

“This is why encouraging and facilitating more private sector investment into the move to net zero is such a key part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Future Made in Australia plan and last month’s Budget.”

The green bond brings investor backing to government supported projects like green hydrogen hubs, community batteries and clean transport, as well as programmes to conserve biodiversity, according to the statement.

“The projects supported by the bond will deliver significant environmental benefits, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions, increasing Australia’s renewable energy production and bolstering our biodiversity conservation, restoration and adaptation.”

Picture: ARENA